The first semi-final at this year’s Rome Masters is set with Alexander Zverev taking on Alejandro Tabilo following their respective straight set wins in their quarter final clashes.
I still have a little bit of pain, so once the adrenaline settles, I’m going to check out tomorrow what it is. But definitely happy with the win Alexander Zverev
Zverev, a former champion, dispatched Taylor Fritz of the US 6-4 6-3 while Tabilo, with just the Auckland title to his credit which he won last January, proved too strong for China’s Zhang Zhizhen going through 6-3 6-4.
The German world No.5 did have a moment of major concern when he fell and landed face down in the third game of the match, cutting his left wrist and a finger which required treatment from the tournament physio.
Alexander Zverev takes a fall early on
(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Fortunately, whilst reminding fans of Zverev’s very unfortunate accident during his semi-final match with Rafa Nadal at the 2022 French Open, the 27-year-old dusted himself down and resumed his match with Taylor, securing his win after 90-minutes without facing a break point and firing 20 winners.
Using his forehand to great effect, backing up his powerful serving, Zverev dominated off the baseline to secure his fifth win over the American in eight meetings.
“That’s the shot I either win or lose matches with,” Zverev said of his performance. “That’s how it’s been my entire career.
“When I’m hitting that shot well, that’s when I win. When I’m not hitting it too well, that’s when I lose. That’s definitely the shot I’ve been working the most on in my career, also my serve obviously.”
Reflecting on the actual match, Zverev added: “Taylor has been one of the best players on clay this year. To have a win like that is great for me, especially after the fall.
“I still have a little bit of pain, so once the adrenaline settles, I’m going to check out tomorrow what it is. But definitely happy with the win.”
While Zvreve reached his 18th Masters semi-final, the Chilean Tabilo will be experiencing his first at the age of 26 and while he will be viewed as the underdog, it must be remembered he downed the (albeit below par!) world No.1, Novak Djokovic in the fourth round.
Alejandro Tabilo can’t quite take it all in
(Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images)
“I can’t believe it right now. I’m still trying to just soak this in,” Tabilo said as he continued his Rome run with the 86-minute victory. “I’m just so happy. I felt pretty good on court, pretty solid. I was just trying to do my job and play my best tennis.”
On Thursday the other two quarter finals will provide the second semi-final with another American Tommy Paul taking on Poland’s for a third time having split their previous encounters.
And in the evening, Stefanos Tsitsipas matches up with another Chilean Nicolas Jarry who have met five times before with Jarry leading with 3 wins.
